That’s according to the latest report from Retail Edge Consultants, which documented a 3.2 per cent decline in revenue in August on a year-on-year comparison. Jewellery sales were also 4.4 per cent higher when compared with August 2024. The data is sourced from more than 400 independent jewellery stores in Australia and New Zealand.
Continuing a long-running trend, unit sales fell 9 per cent year-on-year and were 17 per cent lower than in August 2024. The average retail sale (inventory only) improved by 15 per cent and reached $358. General manager Leon van Megen said the figures highlighted a longer-term reduction in transaction activity, despite stronger overall revenue performance.
“Revenue strengthened, continuing the positive two-year trajectory. Higher average sale values remained central to the result, allowing overall revenue to grow despite a decline in unit volumes. It also demonstrates the market's increasing reliance on value per transaction to sustain topline growth,” he explained.
“Unit volumes continued to decline, reinforcing the sustained trend of reduced transaction activity. Transaction frequency remains under pressure, with the importance of maintaining strong conversion and average sale outcomes within a lower-volume trading environment.”
Taking a closer look at specific categories, August was a strong month for diamond jewellery sales, improving by 24 per cent when compared with August 2025.
“The category strengthened significantly, reversing last year's decline and becoming a key contributor to August's stronger overall sales performance,” van Megen added.
By contrast, colour gemstone jewellery experienced a 23 per cent decline on a year-on-year comparison.
Jewellery that does not feature a colour gemstone or diamond improved by 4.9 per cent, with the report noting that this reflected steady demand for accessible everyday styles.
Finally, silver and alternative metals jewellery sales experienced a 6 per cent decline, and this category was described as being broadly stable over the past two years.
These figures came after a modest 1.8 per cent decline in jewellery sales in July. Sales improved in June (8 per cent) after declining in May (3 per cent).
Earlier, a 5 per cent increase in sales was recorded in April, a 7 per cent jump in jewellery sales in March and February, and a 12 per cent rise in January.
2026 Jewellery Retail Sales August Results
Charts published with permission courtesy of Retail Edge
The charts below are based on data collected via Retail Edge POS software
at more than 400 independent Australian jewellery stores.
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